V’landys reveals plans for ‘Jai July’ MND fundraiser

Peter V’landys has vowed to throw Jai Arrow the “biggest birthday party in the world” next month to raise money and awareness for motor neurone disease.

Arrow revealed his heartbreaking MND diagnosis last month, retiring from rugby league after 178 first grade games and another 12 matches for Queensland.

The 30-year-old was one of the toughest players of his generation, constantly pushing through injuries and putting his body on the line for his teammates.

But with his toughest challenge now ahead of him, the wider rugby league community have been pushing for ways to rally around the Rabbitohs forward.

One of those ideas was to celebrate “Jai July” - a play on the popular “Try July” initiative that was previously backed by wagering company, Sportsbet.

After a meeting that involved Andrew Abdo, Blake Solly, Clint Newton and Arrow’s agent David Riolo this week, V’landys has confirmed there will be celebrations on July 12 - his actual birthday - when South Sydney square off against the Knights.

“We will throw the biggest birthday party in the world,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday.

“It will be a huge occasion with the whole game involved. Don’t bring presents. Bring a donation.

“This is a classic case of the game uniting behind our own. We are a family ... we have our differences in rugby league, but we never have our differences when one of our own needs our help.

“I want to compliment the South Sydney club for everything they’re doing. Jai’s manager David Riolo is very passionate. We are working closely with him and Souths and the RLPA.

“We are working on many other ideas such as the ‘Jai July’ concept. He needs our help and he’ll get it.”

Along with celebrations on the horizon, Arrow will fly back from a wellness retreat in Spain to be part of the AFL’s King’s Birthday game on Monday.

The former Maroons star will toss the coin before Collingwood play Melbourne as part of a tribute to Neale Daniher, who died after his own battle with MND.

Arrow told the Herald his plan is to spread awareness and inspire others through public appearances in the midst of his fight.

“What’s next is pretty much what I’m doing right now to continue and inspire people with this disease, however that may be, and to continue to fight as best and as long as I can,” he said.

“My sole focus is to be around for as long as possible for my friends, family and most importantly my fiance and to watch my daughter grow. That’s what drives me and of course my stubbornness to prove people wrong.”